5 Popular Office Desk Types for London Businesses

Furnishing a London office can be quite the ordeal. Rents are high, rooms are often awkward, and every desk has to earn its footprint. So which options are worth considering? If you plan to buy high-quality office desks, popular choices include straight desks, panel-end desks with pedestals, wave and corner desks, desk-and-pedestal bundles, and compact home office desks. Each serves a different purpose, from fitting more workstations into a small room to giving one person a dedicated, organised workspace.

The Most Popular and Convenient Office Desk Types

1. Straight Desks (60cm and 80cm Deep)

The straight desk is a staple of office furniture, with a rectangular top and sturdy cantilever legs. The 60cm depth suits tighter spaces, while the 80cm option leaves more room for dual screens and paperwork.

Best for: Admin teams, accounts departments, start-ups and reception support roles.

Why it works in London: Many offices east of the City occupy converted Victorian buildings, with long, narrow rooms along Hackney Road and around Shoreditch. A slim straight desk fits these layouts, while open legs leave more floor space for chairs and cabling.

Explore our range of straight office desks to find a suitable option for your workspace.

2. Panel-End Desks with Pedestals

Panel-end desks feature solid side panels and can be configured with one or two fixed pedestals for convenient storage. This arrangement keeps essential documents and everyday office supplies within easy reach.

Best for: Solicitors, accountants, HR teams and anyone handling files daily.

Why it works in London: Professional firms in Holborn, Bank and Whitechapel often need to keep paperwork close at hand, even as more processes move online. Adding pedestals can reduce the need for separate storage units, which helps when office space comes at a premium.

3. Wave and Ergonomic Corner Desks

Available in left-hand and right-hand configurations, these desks feature a curved or angled work surface that fits neatly into a corner. Their shape provides additional workspace and makes it easier to organise screens, documents and other essentials.

Best for: Managers, designers, analysts, and people who use multiple monitors.

Why it works in London: In compact office suites above shops and in shared workspaces, corners can easily go unused. A wave or corner desk makes better use of this space and keeps frequently used items within easy reach.

4. Desk-and-Pedestal Bundles

These bundles combine a straight desk with a two- or three-drawer pedestal, often at a combined price. They offer a straightforward way to furnish several workstations with matching furniture.

Best for: Growing agencies, new branch offices and businesses furnishing a team at once.

Why it works in London: Businesses around Old Street, Shoreditch and Canary Wharf may need to equip new workstations within a tight timeframe. Bundles simplify furniture selection, while collection and delivery options can help keep an office move on schedule.

5. Home Office Desks

Models such as the Gondar and Ellora combine compact work surfaces with features such as shelving or trestle frames. These designs suit smaller rooms and everyday home working.

Best for: Hybrid workers, freelancers and small businesses run from a spare room.

Why it works in London: Many London homes have limited space, and hybrid workers need a practical place to work between office days. A compact desk with built-in shelving creates a dedicated workspace without taking over the room.

Browse our range of home office desks to explore options for smaller workspaces.

New, Refurbished, Hired or Sold Back

You don’t have to pay full price for office furniture. If you want to buy popular office desks in London without overspending, second-hand furniture can be a practical alternative to buying new. Docklands Office Furniture offers a range of quality second-hand desks at lower prices than many new alternatives.

For a fresh finish, new desks are available in different sizes, colours and configurations. If your requirements are temporary, furniture hire can also provide a practical solution without committing to a permanent purchase.

Clearing out an office? We also buy suitable surplus office furniture and can remove or recycle unwanted items. Whether you’re relocating, downsizing or updating your layout, this service can help you clear space and manage unwanted furniture.

Explore our used office desks, find out more about furniture hire or learn about our office clearance services.

Yesterday i poped down to the shop during my lunch break and I got myself a used desk and chair and the quality of both items is excellent and the value for money amazing. On top of this the slotted me in for delivery a couple of hours later.

Thank you very much – L Samater

Don’t just take our word for it. Check our genuine Google reviews from real customers and see what they say about us!

Rely on a Supplier That Knows London Offices

At Docklands Office Furniture, we help businesses find desks that suit their available space, working arrangements and budget. Whether you’re fitting out a small office in E2 or furnishing several floors, choosing the right furniture can make day-to-day work more practical.

With transparent pricing, a price match promise and delivery options, we aim to keep the process straightforward from your initial enquiry to the final setup.

Ready to find the right desks for your office? Contact Docklands Office Furniture today for a free, no-obligation quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which office desk is best for a small London office?

Straight desks with a 60cm depth and wave or corner desks are worth considering. They suit narrow rooms and help make better use of available floor space.

Are second-hand office desks worth it?

Second-hand desks can provide a lower-cost alternative to new furniture. They are worth considering if you need to furnish a start-up, expand your team or work within a limited budget.

Do you sell desks with drawers included?

Yes. Panel-end desks can be configured with fixed pedestals, while desk-and-pedestal bundles combine a desk with a two- or three-drawer storage unit.

Do you buy old office desks in London?

Docklands Office Furniture buys suitable surplus office furniture. Unwanted items that cannot be resold may also be removed or recycled, depending on the furniture and the service required.

Can I collect desks myself?

Yes. Free click and collect is available, alongside delivery options for businesses across London. Contact the team to confirm the arrangements for your chosen desks.

Can I hire desks instead of buying?

Yes. Furniture hire is an option for businesses that need desks temporarily, such as for short-term projects, temporary teams or office relocations. Contact Docklands Office Furniture to discuss your requirements.